Research Methods
Social Science
Department
Steps in the Scientific Method
•
•
•
•
•
Identify and Define the Problem
Formulate Hypotheses
Select Methodology
Collect and Analyze Data
Draw Conclusions relevant to
Hypothesis
• Report Results
• Expand to Future Studies
Formulating Hypotheses
 Hypothesis = statement of the
relationship presumed to exist
between dependent and
independent variables.
 Cause and Effect implications
 Must be testable; dependent
variable must be measurable.
What is a Variable?
• A concept whose value
changes from case to case
• Two variables are inherent in
any hypothesis
–Independent
–Dependent
Variables
• Independent Variable (IV)
–“cause”
– it is the part of the study the
researcher can control
– the independent variable
influences some change in the
dependent variable
Variables
• Dependent Variable (DV)
–“effect”
– it is what the researcher counts or
measures
– it is the recorded change that
results from the influence of the
independent variable.
Sample Hypotheses
• Stress influences need for affiliation.
• Women respond to stress differently than
men.
• Women seek affiliation when stressed;
whereas men will seek solitude.
Reference: UCLA study, Cousino Klein, et al
Sample Hypotheses
• Stress influences need for affiliation.
– IV = Stress
– DV = need for affiliation
• Women respond to stress differently than
men.
– IV = Sex (being male or female)
– DV = response to stress
• Women seek affiliation when stressed;
whereas men will seek solitude.
– IV = being male or female (sex)
– DV = seeking affiliation (or not) when stressed
Correlation
• Correlation – a relationship in which two
or more variables change together
– Positive correlation – both variables change
in the same direction
• The more you study, the higher your grades
will be.
– Negative correlation – one variable
increases as the other decreases
• The more checks you write, the lower your bank
balance will be.
Causation
• Cause and Effect -- a relationship
in which we know that change in
one (independent) variable causes
change in another (dependent)
variable
• Stated in hypothesis
• Demonstrated by results of
experimental design only
Common Methodological
Designs
• Surveys
– Interviews
– Questionnaires
• Observations
– Participant
– Unobtrusive
– Simulated
• Case studies
• Experimental Studies
Experimental Design
Pretest
Post-test
Control
group
DV
DV
Experimental
Group
DV
DV
Apply IV
Collect and Analyze Data
•
•
•
•
Employ the research design
Organize and analyze the data
Statistical analysis
Make decisions relevant to the
hypothesis
• “Accept” or “Fail to accept”
or “Support” -- never
“prove”
Report Results
•
•
•
•
Publish findings
Debrief participants, if needed
Support theoretical perspective
Spin off next studies
Ethical Issues
• Do not deceive, coerce or
harm the subjects
• Collect data using ethical
procedures
• Protect confidentiality of
subjects
• Report results accurately
Exit Exercise
• Now test your knowledge of the
vocabulary with the following
matching and flashcards game:
http://www.quia.com/jg/279164.ht
ml